By Stacey Wittig
Get ready to unleash the ultimate paw-some winter escape in the sun-drenched, glitz-filled streets of West Hollywood! In the heart of the fashionista’s playground, affectionately dubbed WeHo, you and your furry sidekick can strut your stuff and bask in the endless California sun.
People watching goes to the next level when fashionistas, recording artists, and movie stars bring their prancing pooches. Spot the latest in canine couture and feline finery on the neighborhood’s posh pets—all primped as if the paparazzi were hiding behind every palm tree.
Many WeHo restaurants take advantage of the Mediterranean climate (283 sunny days per year) and provide outdoor dining even in December and January. That’s just the thing for dog-accompanied patrons like you, of course.
We enjoyed the outrageous New Jersey Italian sandwiches at Giata Deli essen that don’t stretch the pocketbook. Zinque’s pet-friendly patio was filled with four-legged guests while we munched French-influenced fare.
Gracias Madre, which serves traditional Mexican cuisine made from scratch using local, plant-based ingredients, could have been our favorite. Is this ceviche really made from plants, we asked? Yes, was the answer, and so, too, the Gorditas de Chicharrón and Tacos Ahogados. Order a flight of tequilas from independent, small-batch distilleries in Mexico.
The hour-and-a-half roundtrip hike to experience the Hollywood sign is a perfect dog walk—we saw lots of four-legged hikers with their human pals on our way to view the Hollywood sign up close and personal. Our guide, Erik, led us to the prime vantage points to capture ideal photos and all along the way kept us entertained with stories of Hollywood glamour and mystery. We highly recommend Hikes and Bikes for their expert guides and storytelling.
Although only service dogs are allowed, make sure to visit the Academy Museum, where we viewed multi-media displays of Casablanca, my favorite movie, and other famous flicks. The museum is worth the splurge to spoil your sweet pup for a ‘Day Play’ or ‘Soak and Blow-Dry’ at The Club-Beverly Hills.
Museum exhibitions recount how movies both reflect and shape our culture. The immersive Oscars® Experience was exciting when videographers filmed us in a simulation of walking onto the Dolby Theater stage in Hollywood to accept our Oscar.
WeHo’s notoriety as an arts and design hub began in the early 1960s when it hosted Andy Warhol’s first commercial exhibit of Campbell’s Soup Cans. So then, the West Hollywood Design District is an energizing place to stay, with shops and restaurants.
The art-centric Kimpton La Peer, a contemporary boutique hotel in the district, welcomes pets. We loved both our spacious room in the LEED Silver Certified Green purpose-built hotel and the staff’s casual confidence in providing service.
We can also recommend Sunset Marquis, which accepts well-behaved, small dogs 15 pounds or under at the star-studded hotel. Elton John, Bruce Springsteen, Sting, and a litany of others stayed (and stay) here. The restaurant Cavatina at the resort-like property, was outstanding.
Over 20 West Hollywood hotels welcome you and your four-legged buddy. For more information, go to visitwesthollywood.com.
So, pack your bags (and a couple of treats), grab your four-legged traveling companion, and head to West Hollywood. It’s where the pets are almost as famous as the stars, and even the fire hydrants seem worthy of an autograph.
This is not just a getaway; it’s the tail-wagging talk of the town, and you’re invited to join the furry fun!
Stacey Wittig writes about travel from her home near Flagstaff. Enjoy this article? Then, grab more travel inspiration and FREE tips at: UnstoppableStaceyTravel.com.
